Safran Electrical & Power has reached a ground-breaking milestone with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certifying its ENGINeUS 100 motor – the first-ever electric motor approved to power next-generation air mobility.
The certification follows an extensive testing campaign, including 1,500 hours of motor certification tests and over 100 flight hours in real-world conditions. It marks the culmination of four years of close collaboration with EASA to establish specific airworthiness standards for electric propulsion and develop appropriate assessment and certification methods.
The ENGINeUS 100 is packed with cutting-edge innovations. Notably, its power and control electronics are fully integrated within the motor, ensuring seamless integration into various propulsion architectures. Thanks to its compact, lightweight design and advanced air-cooling system, it delivers a maximum power output of 125 kW with a power-to-weight ratio of 5 kW/kg.
To support the growing demand for electric propulsion, Safran Electrical & Power is gearing up for mass production of the ENGINeUS range. By 2026, four semi-automated production lines will be established in Niort (France) and Pitstone (UK), enabling an annual output of more than 1,000 electric motors, with capacity for further expansion.
Designed to serve a wide array of new air mobility applications, the ENGINeUS motor can be integrated into 100% electric propulsion systems for small aircraft carrying two to four passengers, hybrid-electric propulsion for 19-seat regional transport aircraft, and the electric hybridisation of future commercial aircraft engines accommodating up to 150 passengers. Several pioneering aircraft manufacturers, including AURA AERO, Bye Aerospace, CAE, Diamond Aircraft, Electra, TCab Tech, and VoltAero, have already chosen Safran’s ENGINeUS motor range or GENeUS motor-generators.
The certification of the ENGINeUS 100 represents a major step towards the commercialisation of electric-powered aircraft, paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation.
